Off the wire
• 2016 FIS China Tour de Ski Xiwuqi stage standings  • Chinese diplomat visiting Saudi, Iran  • Weather forecast for major Chinese cities, regions -- Jan. 7  • Saudi-led coalition says intercepted missile from Yemen  • Weather forecast for world cities -- Jan. 7  • Roundup: Singapore stocks end down 2.65 pct  • Xi underscores military building via reforms  • Feature: Vegas electronics show hightlights IoT, driverless cars and digital health products  • Djibouti cuts diplomatic ties with Iran  • Major news items in leading German newspapers  
You are here: 　 Home

Rwanda, Cameroon draw in friendly match

Xinhua, January 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

The friendly match between Rwanda and Cameroon played in western Rwanda on Wednesday evening ended in 1-1 draw.

The Rwandan side kept their side of the bargain with supporters keeping morale alive after Amavubi scored in the first half at the Umuganda Stadium in the Rwandan border town of Rubavu.

Rwanda's best moment came from center back Abdul Rwatubyaye when he made header off Yannick Mukunzi's corner to score minutes to the end of first half, sending more than 5000 spectators into a jubilation.

But in hindsight perhaps a little too much was expected of the Rwandan side which has a record of losing against the Indomitable Lions.

The Cameroonians have won four times in the seven previous games between the two teams over the years.

An equalizer appeared 55 minutes into the second half by Moumi Ngamaleu.

It was unsatisfactory occasion for the Rwandan side, despite coach Johnny McKinstry making several substitutions, with the only thing worth remembering being that Amavubi dominated the game.

In second half, McKinstry substituted his players Dany Usengimana with Isaie Songa, Hegman Ngomirakiza with Kevin Muhire and Imran Nshimiyimana with Mohamed Mushimiyimana while Faustin Usengimana replaced Abdul Rwatubyaye, following an injury.

Goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimiye was replaced by Olivier Kwizera.

The contribution by players like team captain Jacques Tuyisenge yielded nothing, to the praise of Cameroon goalkeeper Hugo Nyambe.

Speaking to journalists, McKinstry looked visibly dissatisfied, admitting that his team wasted a lot of chances.

"We created seven good chances which was enough to win the game but that's part of football," he said.

He, however, expressed confidence in his team ahead of the forthcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) finals tournament due January 16 to February 7 in Rwanda.

The two teams were in a warm-up game ahead of CHAN finals.

Rwanda is in Group A along with Morocco, Cote d'Ivoire, and Gabon while Cameroon is in Group B together with Angola, DR Congo and Ethiopia.

The stadium which hosted Wednesday's game is one of the venues for the matches, and it will host Group D games.

Meanwhile, Martin Felix Ndtoungou Mpile, the Cameroon coach, appreciated that the Rwandan team had better chances in the game.

Rwandan coach is yet to name his final squad for CHAN. Endi